Ischgl Ironbike 2026: Mountain biking tradition meets alpine challenge

Two days dedicated to mountain biking, set against the high-alpine landscape of the Silvretta: for more than three decades, the Ischgl Ironbike has been one of the most established mountain bike events in the Alpine region. Marathon races of varying difficulty levels, a spectator-friendly short track race and youth competitions shape the event from 7 to 8 August 2026, representing top sporting performance and a diverse race programme.

The Ischgl Ironbike will take place from 7 to 8 August 2026 and stands for demanding racing, scenic diversity and a long-standing sporting tradition. Each year, the event attracts ambitious amateur athletes, elite riders and young talents from Austria and abroad. The routes lead across technically challenging trails, steep climbs and high-alpine sections around Ischgl, requiring endurance, precision and tactical skill depending on the distance.

As a fixed highlight of the Alpine biking summer, the Ischgl Ironbike combines peak sporting performance with an impressive natural backdrop.

The event is supported by Simplon, the official bike partner of the region, Cuore, Volksbank Tirol, as well as other partners and sponsors of the Paznaun – Ischgl Tourism Association.

Programme overview

·        Friday, 7 August 2026 – Kids & Juniors Trophy and Short Track

The first day of the event focuses on technique, speed and youth development. At 1 pm, the youngest participants take centre stage. At the Kids & Juniors Trophy presented by Volksbank Tirol, children and teenagers compete in age-appropriate categories and gain their first racing experience in a professional environment. In the late afternoon, the Short Track race takes place in the centre of Ischgl. On a compact circuit, the women compete first, followed by the men. Short distances, high intensity and tactical manoeuvres define this race, which creates a special dynamic due to its proximity to spectators. The award ceremonies for the day’s competitions take place afterwards on the event stage. Total prize money Short Track: €5,400.

·        Saturday, 8 August 2026 – Ironbike Marathon

The second day marks the sporting highlight of the Ischgl Ironbike. In 2026, the Ironbike Marathon presents itself with redesigned routes across all four distances. Light, Medium, Hard and Extreme have all been reworked, offering even more variety, sporting challenge and alpine experience.

The Extreme course remains the premier discipline of the event, leading through high-alpine sections around Ischgl and down to Samnaun, placing the highest physical and technical demands even on experienced marathon riders. Steep climbs, exposed transitions and long descents characterise this distance.

Additionally, the Light distance is being expanded: for the first time, a separate gravel classification will be introduced. This opens the Ironbike Marathon to gravel enthusiasts and creates a new interface between traditional mountain biking and the modern gravel discipline.

Marathon routes at a glance (distance | elevation gain): EXTREME: 83.5 km | 3,360 m; HARD: 65.5 km | 2,620 m; MEDIUM: 53.5 km | 1,960 m; LIGHT & LIGHT GRAVEL: 30.0 km | 730 m

During the races, the Expo Area remains open throughout the day and serves as a central meeting point for athletes and spectators. In the afternoon, the award ceremonies for the individual marathon categories take place, followed by the honours for the winners of the more demanding distances. Total prize money Ironbike Marathon: €34,000.

Combined ranking: Silvretta MTB King, Queen, Prince and Princess 2026

The Ischgl Ironbike is part of the Silvretta MTB combined ranking. This consists of two race series and takes different performance levels into account. Titles are awarded in the following categories: Silvretta MTB Queen: combination of M³ Extreme and Ischgl Ironbike Hard (professional & amateur), Silvretta MTB King: M³ Extreme and Ischgl Ironbike Extreme (professional & amateur), Silvretta MTB Princess: M² Challenging and Ischgl Ironbike Medium, Silvretta MTB Prince: M² Challenging and Ischgl Ironbike Hard. The ranking is based on the combined total time of both races.

Registration

Registration for the Ischgl Ironbike is carried out online. Participants can register depending on the competition and distance. Early registration is recommended, as starting places are limited. All information on entry fees, categories and registration deadlines is available online.

About the Ischgl Ironbike

The Ischgl Ironbike has been held for over 30 years and is one of the most traditional mountain bike events in Europe. With its diverse race programme, alpine scenery and strong connection to the destination, the event combines sporting ambition with an experiential character and international appeal.